pavlova: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, Culinary
Quick answer
What does “pavlova” mean?
A dessert consisting of a meringue base with a crisp crust and soft, light inside, topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A dessert consisting of a meringue base with a crisp crust and soft, light inside, topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit.
A cultural and culinary icon, particularly in Australia and New Zealand, often served at celebrations and during the summer. It can also refer metonymically to the performing arts (especially ballet) due to its namesake.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The dessert is known in both regions but is far more culturally central and frequently referenced in UK, Australian, and New Zealand English than in American English. In the US, it is often considered a specialty or foreign dessert.
Connotations
In the UK and Commonwealth nations, it connotes summer, celebrations, and Australasian cuisine. In the US, it may simply be seen as a type of meringue dessert without strong cultural associations.
Frequency
Much higher frequency in UK, Australian, and New Zealand English. Low frequency in general American English, appearing mainly in food writing or international contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “pavlova” in a Sentence
[verb] a pavlova (make, bake, prepare, serve, decorate)[adjective] pavlova (classic, crisp, failed, store-bought)pavlova [verb] (pavlova collapsed, pavlova serves eight)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “pavlova” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The pavlova recipe is a classic.
- We need pavlova cases for the individual servings.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in the food/hospitality industry (e.g., 'Our summer menu features a berry pavlova').
Academic
Rare, except in historical/cultural studies discussing food history or Australasian culture.
Everyday
Common in social/domestic contexts, especially in Commonwealth countries (e.g., discussing recipes, dinner parties, celebrations).
Technical
Used in culinary arts and pastry-making contexts, discussing techniques for meringue stability or fruit coulis.
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “pavlova”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pavlova”
- Misspelling as 'pavolva' or 'pavlov'.
- Using it uncapitalised ('pavlova') is common but non-standard.
- Confusing it with 'Pavlovian' (relating to the psychologist Ivan Pavlov).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both Australia and New Zealand claim pavlova as a national dish. The exact origin is historically disputed, and it is a celebrated part of the culinary heritage in both countries.
It is named after the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova, who toured Australia and New Zealand in the 1920s. The dessert's light, airy texture is said to resemble her tutu or her delicate dance style.
Yes, the meringue base can be baked and stored in an airtight container for a day or two. However, it's best to add the cream and fresh fruit just before serving to prevent sogginess.
A pavlova is a specific type of meringue dessert. Traditional meringues are dried until completely crisp throughout. A pavlova has a crisp outer shell but a soft, marshmallow-like interior, due to the addition of vinegar and cornflour, and is always served with cream and fruit.
A dessert consisting of a meringue base with a crisp crust and soft, light inside, topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit.
Pavlova is usually informal, culinary in register.
Pavlova: in British English it is pronounced /pævˈləʊ.və/, and in American English it is pronounced /pɑːvˈloʊ.və/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No specific idioms, but the phrase 'as delicate as a pavlova' is occasionally used to describe something fragile.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine the famous ballerina Anna Pavlova dancing lightly on a soft, white meringue stage decorated with fruit.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PAVLOVA IS A PERFORMANCE (requiring skill, delicate, culminates in a showy presentation).
Practice
Quiz
What is a pavlova primarily made from?